Barosaurus was a giant, plant-eating sauropod dinosaur that lived in North America in the Late Jurassic Period, approximately 155 to 150 million years ago.
This enormous dinosaur, whose name means “heavy lizard,” was distinguished by its exceptional size, featuring a remarkably long neck and tail that made it one of the longest dinosaurs ever discovered.
Discovered in the rich fossil beds of North America’s Morrison Formation, Barosaurus belonged to the same family – Diplodocidae – as the closely-related Diplodocus.
Barosaurus Facts
- Type of Dinosaur: Sauropod
- Diet: Herbivore
- Continent(s) Found: North America
- Length: Approximately 24–27 meters (79–89 feet) (possibly even longer – see text)
- Height: Up to 15 meters (49 feet) at the head when rearing up
- Weight: Estimated between 15 and 20 metric tons (33,000 to 44,000 pounds) (possibly even more – see text)
- Period: Late Jurassic (approximately 155 to 150 million years ago)
What Did Barosaurus Look Like?
Barosaurus was an enormous sauropod dinosaur distinguished by its exceptionally long neck, which could extend up to 9 meters (30 feet). This remarkable neck allowed Barosaurus to reach high into the treetops to feed on foliage.
The neck of Barosaurus was longer than that of the closely-related Diplodocus, but its tail was shorter.
The body of Barosaurus was massive and robust, supported by four sturdy, pillar-like legs, and its head to tail length ranged between 24 to 27 meters (79 to 89 feet). This colossal dinosaur weighed an estimated 15 to 20 metric tons (33,000 to 44,000 pounds).
Some paleontologists estimate that Barosaurus was even larger, with a maximum length of around 45 m, and a maximum weight of around 60 metric tons. However, the fossils upon which these estimates were based may have been from a different dinosaur (a Supersaurus, another huge sauropod).
The head of Barosaurus was relatively small in comparison to its enormous body, featuring a long, slender snout equipped with peg-like teeth ideal for stripping leaves from branches. Its nostrils, like those of other Diplodocids, pointed upwards.
The tail was long and whip-like, which may have been used for balance or defense.
What Does The Name Barosaurus Mean?
The name “Barosaurus” means “heavy lizard.” The name is derived from the Greek words “barys,” meaning “heavy,” and “sauros,” meaning “lizard.” This name reflects the dinosaur’s massive size and weight.
What Type Of Dinosaur Was Barosaurus?
Barosaurus was a sauropod. Sauropods were a group of large, long-necked, herbivorous dinosaurs characterized by their enormous bodies, long necks, long tails, and four thick, pillar-like legs.
Barosaurus is part of the family Diplodocidae, which includes other well-known sauropods like Diplodocus and Apatosaurus. These dinosaurs were known for their impressive size and length, making them some of the largest land animals to have ever existed.
Members of the family Diplodocidae are known as diplodocids. Diplodocids appeared in the mid Jurassic, and became extinct in the early Cretaceous Period.
Where Did Barosaurus Live?
Barosaurus lived in what is now North America. Fossil evidence of Barosaurus has been primarily found in the Morrison Formation, which spans parts of the western United States, including states like Utah, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
When Did Barosaurus Live?
Barosaurus lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 155 to 150 million years ago.
What Dinosaurs And Other Animals Did Barosaurus Live With?
Barosaurus lived alongside a variety of other dinosaurs and animals in the Late Jurassic period, primarily within the Morrison Formation of North America. This diverse ecosystem included several notable groups, including:
- Allosaurus: A large carnivorous theropod that was one of the top predators of the time.
- Apatosaurus: Another large sauropod, similar in size to Barosaurus, known for its robust build and long neck.
- Diplodocus: A close relative of Barosaurus, characterized by its extremely long tail and neck.
- Stegosaurus: An herbivorous dinosaur recognized by its distinctive back plates and tail spikes.
- Camarasaurus: A smaller sauropod with a shorter neck and a more robust body compared to Barosaurus.
- Brachiosaurus: A sauropod notable for its longer front legs, which gave it a more upright posture and allowed it to reach higher vegetation.
In addition to dinosaurs, Barosaurus shared its environment with various other animals, including pterosaurs, crocodyliforms (early relatives of modern crocodiles), early mammals and amphibians.
